Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1966 Reference No: 1578 Movement No: 734’029 Case No: 2’619’977 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27-AM 400, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied with Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 20th February 1975 stamped by Sao Paulo retailer. Further delivered by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1966 and its subsequent the date of sale on 9th August 1967.
Catalogue Essay
Released in 1943, Patek Philippe launched the coveted chronograph ref. 1579 and the time only ref. 1578 the same year. Notable for its complex faceted spider lugs named after the resemblance of the silhouette of an arachnid, the two models both encased by Wenger are sought-after by Patek Philippe enthusiasts looking for an unconventional appeal.
The reference 1578 was only available in two metals throughout its evolution, yellow and pink gold, and two configurations, one with center seconds and the other with seconds at 6 o’clock. The small seconds iteration can be divided into three series.
First series (1943-1952) equipped with calibre 12 120
Second series (1949-1961) equipped with calibre 12 400
Third series (1959 to 1965) equipped with calibre 27 AM 400
The present example is part of the third series and potentially one of the last example produced equipped with the calibre 27 AM 400, the first anti-magnetic calibre utilized in Patek Philippe wristwatches. Sophisticatedly fitted with a Stern Freres silvered dial and boasting an distinguished faceted lugs, the present specimen is highly appealing and is the second example to appear in auction. Offered in an attractive condition and patina which propels its vintage appeal, this specimen is a fantastic opportunity for aficionado desiring to own a vintage icon.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
